Mank is one of the newest Netflix films that has every movie buff buzzing, and this David Fincher project has a stellar cast that throws everyone back to the time and making of the iconic classic, Citizen Kane.
Of course, this movie is still brand new, and while they do a phenomenal job at convincing viewers otherwise, that just makes it all the more fun to dive into the making of the film. From the actors to the director to all the pieces coming together, it's time to take a look at some fun behind-the-scene facts that make this movie even better.
The Film Was Finished Only Days Before Lockdown
This flick was delayed a few times, mainly because director David Fincher really wanted this modern movie to be filmed in black-and-white. Finally, the project was given the go-ahead that it so rightfully deserved.
However, everything was wrapped up only days before lockdown took place in California, in February of 2020. This movie made everything happen in just the nick of time, or fans would have had to wait even longer!
The Script Was Written In The 1990s - By David Fincher's Father
This movie has been brewing for a long, long time, so long that the script was actually written in the 1990s, by David Fincher's late father, Howard. Since his death in 2003, David Fincher had taken the movie upon himself as a passion project.
The movie may have finished just before lockdown, but it was a long time coming. It didn't get past any pre-production phases until 2019 - and thankfully for fans, it made it to the end.
Casting Gary Oldman Was A No Brainer
The role was definitely not written with Gary Oldman in the back of anyone's mind, but Fincher expressed he needed an intelligent but sloth-like actor. He was quoted that he needed someone "who has the most courage".
Unsurprisingly, Gary Oldman checked off all those boxes pretty perfectly. Oldman is no newbie, and this role fit him like a glove - and it wouldn't be the same without him.
The Movie's Feature Aesthetic Is 'Deep Focus'
This cinematic technique was created in the the 1920s, and Citizen Kane is one that made it incredibly popular, while also being one of the reasons the movie has become a classic in Hollywood.
While this might not seem like a behind-the-scene fact, there was a lot of work that went into the production of Mank to make it nearly identical to the iconic movie as well as maintaining an overall aesthetic. The cameramen deserve a round of applause.
The Liquor Box Was Fincher's Most Important Prop
Fans of this movie will know exactly what is meant by the 'liquor box', which is what Mank has in his home and stores all of his alcohol in. That prop might have seemed just one of many things in the film, but a lot of effort was put into it.
From its weight to its size to its ability to be thrown into a fireplace, this prop drove a lot of the film's narrative - and is central to one of the key moments in the movie. It had to be just right.
Mankiewicz' Grandson Approved Of The Character
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Ben Mankiewicz was invited to discuss what he thought about the production of the character, Herman Mankiewicz, the lead character of the film and well-esteemed writer. While he didn't discuss any of the story, he said he loved the homage to his grandfather.
It was what he remembered his grandfather's personality to be like. He "loved turning expectations upside down..." but he was also "never mean". The approval of Ben was all fans needed to make this movie even more likable.
Amanda Seyfried Didn't Re-Watch Citizen Kane
Amanda Seyfried is a household name in Hollywood, but she's getting attention unlike any before for her portrayal of Marion Davies. In an interview, she stated that she actually hasn't seen Citizen Kane since her early 20s, and purposefully didn't re-watch it.
She wanted to focus on the biographical accounts of her life, and studied a lot of "who she was and how she communicated and expressed herself in her real life". Seyfried nailed the role, so her technique could definitely be deemed successful.
Fincher Took Many, Many Takes
This well-esteemed director has a reputation for many things, but one is that he takes a lot of takes when he's filming his movies. In an interview with Gary Oldman, he admitted that lots of people settle for a few - while Fincher could take up to a hundred.
The lead actor had no qualms, though, because there's certainly a reason for the mastery that comes from Fincher's films. Of course, the actors certainly did have to buckle down.
Filming Took Three Months
As the director liked to take a lot of shots, the filming for this 2-hour flick wrapped up in about three months. However, Amanda Seyfried also mentioned in an interview that they filmed one single scene for five days.
There was little time for any of the cast or crew to relax in these three months, but all of them are seemingly proud of their work, and fans are certainly thankful for it. Despite the surprise, they finished by February, that might be the biggest accomplishment.
Fincher Knew Fans Would Have To Know Their Stuff
If viewers sat down and popped this movie on Netflix, they might find themselves googling simultaneously - from the politics to the dozens of names that pop in the film. David Fincher did this on purpose.
It's an homage to Hollywood and an all-time classic, and there was really also no time to give any history lessons. This movie assumes that fans know their stuff, and that makes it even better for real film buffs.